Grandma's Christmas Gift

For Christmas this year, I decided to make a collage for my grandmother, Zola Ivadell Wooden. She loves to sew and has been a master in the craft for years. I created the collage to symbolize all the buttons she's sewn onto various outfits for her children and grandchildren; the tree represents a family tree and the large Oak that stood at the side of the yard on the property where my grandmother raised her family for a long time.

Of course, the words "Love" and "Adore" are self explanatory.

I hope she likes her gift. I'm excited to give it to her tomorrow.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

Thanksgivng Decor

I decided to help my mom decorate her house for Thanksgiving this year. Using pompous grass plumes, curly willow tree branches, oak leaves, red berries, hot glue, floral wire, scissors and festive ribbon, I made five bunches of decor to hang on the doorways of the house.

I can't wait to help with creating Christmas decor!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and a safe Black Friday shopping adventure!

The Coyote's Howl

My coyote skull project is now complete! I'm glad I finished it before Halloween. But, even if it doesn't sell in my shop this Halloween, it would make a rather unique Christmas gift! 

"The Coyote's Howl - Gothic Halloween Taxidermy Wall Art Decor"

My First Photo Shoot

 Below are a few of the photos from my very first photo shoot. All photos were taken by Chelsea Crosby. Makeup and hair also by Chelsea Crosby.

Photo shoot location: Coolidge Park, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Young Hearts

A poem about learning to love, coping with loss and grief and standing on your own feet again after growing and maturing...

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"Young Hearts"

How fragile the heart can be in early days.

Nothing is what it seems and all is covered by a haze.

We trust and we become untrustworthy in an attempt to love.

We run and chase until we fall, being forced to look up above.

How terrible it is to take hold of something we desire but cannot keep.

How defeated our hearts feel when sinking so very deep.

One must taste the bitterness of failure before rising once more.

Being strong is our hope when we're unsure of what to fight for.

We're all lost souls, wandering through a life that feels like a dream.

Be cautious when showing your affection, for things are not always what they seem.

See, even a darling little girl could have a plan for your demise...

And, maybe the scary beast in the forest is really just an angel in disguise!

Do not let your heart wander away on a path of false hope.

Escape the chains of forgetfulness and learn how to cope.

Fall asleep with dreams of happiness in your mind.

The clock of time never stops to reset or to rewind.

The breeze runs its long fingers through your hair,

Whispering its secrets and its lonely despair.

All the time in the world belongs to you right here and now.

Learn the best way to spend it and try to teach others how.

        

           Copyright Casandra Camp 2012  

Modeling & Taxidermy

 I was playing around at home with a couple outfits for a photo shoot I had with a friend on the 25th of July; here's what I ended up wearing. I decided black and white would be the best look.

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In addition, I have a new animal skull (or, "bare-bone taxidermy") project at hand! This time, my subject is that of what I suspect to be a coyote. My brother found and cleaned the skull, giving it to me as a gift. 

Needless to say, I have some great things in store for this beautiful animal skull.

Sales Outside Etsy

I'm extremely happy with my recent jewelry and artwork sales. With my face-to-face sales and Etsy sales combined, I've sold sixty items since I began exploring my abilities this past July. 

Before I opened my Etsy shop in the summer of 2011, I never knew just how much fun it would be to create things! It's a good feeling when you're able to say "I made that" when someone asks where you got your accessories.

Below are some photos of the jewelry I've sold outside my shop.

 

Forget

My newest poem, written for anyone who's suffered under the cruel reign of depression. This piece was also written in consideration of those who, like me, have a troubled past that they struggle to erase from memory...

"Forget"

Feelings shouldn't remain so long after they've been excused.
Let down by so many, it's impossible not to feel used.

The past screams out painful memories, too loud to ignore.
Walking ever slowly, I enter through a forbidden door.

Wiping the tears away and standing upon the frozen ground,
I'll break these chains without a single noise; without a single sound.

I begin to feel my broken wings healing once more.
I'll fly again soon, even beyond this lonely shore.

Friends fade and lives change as years pass us by.
It's okay to stay awake at night and it's okay to cry.

All hope isn't lost yet. No, not now.
The question isn't "when" you get there, it's all about "how".

To all of you who suffer from the things others cannot see,
Just remember that only you can choose who you truly want to be.

Make a wise decision and walk proudly, even through the rain.
After doing this for a long enough time, you'll forget your pain.



Copyright Casandra Camp 2012